Maple Cake With Maple Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This delicious Maple Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting is a moist and flavorful layered cake infused with pure maple syrup and warm cinnamon spice. Crafted with a combination of butter, oil, sour cream, and buttermilk, the cake results in a tender crumb. It’s topped with a luscious maple buttercream frosting and optionally garnished with chopped pecans, making it a perfect dessert for maple lovers and festive occasions.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Maple Cake
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120mL) vegetable oil, or any neutral flavored oil
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180mL) pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk, at room temperature
For the Maple Buttercream Frosting
- 1 & 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 5 cups (650g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (80mL) pure maple syrup
- Chopped pecans (optional – for decorating)
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to be incorporated later in the batter.
- Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and dark brown sugar. Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a whisk, cream the mixture for about 1 minute on medium speed (or 2 minutes by hand) until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps of butter but the mixture may still be slightly grainy.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition to incorporate thoroughly before adding the next egg.
- Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla: Whisk in the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth, fragrant batter base.
- Combine Batter with Dry Ingredients – Part 1: Add half of the previously mixed dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; a few small flour streaks remaining is acceptable.
- Add Sour Cream and Milk: Whisk in all of the sour cream and whole milk to the batter to maintain moisture and tenderness.
- Combine Batter with Dry Ingredients – Part 2: Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix gently again until the batter is free of streaks but still contains a few small lumps. Avoid overmixing to preserve cake texture.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Evenly distribute the batter into three prepared cake pans. Place pans in the center of a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto wire racks. Let the cakes cool completely to room temperature before applying frosting.
- Prepare Maple Buttercream Frosting – Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to beat the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the butter. Mix on low speed until the sugar has dissolved into the butter, forming a smooth base.
- Whip Frosting: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip for about 1 minute until the frosting becomes smooth and lump-free.
- Add Maple Syrup: Pour in the pure maple syrup and mix on low speed until combined. Then whip again on high for an additional 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it; if too soft, chill in the fridge 30-60 minutes to firm up.
- Assemble and Frost Cake: Layer the cooled cakes with an ample amount of maple buttercream between each layer and frost the outside evenly. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for decoration.
- Serve: Slice the frosted maple cake and serve immediately or store covered to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients like eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature to promote even mixing and better cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- Use pure maple syrup (not maple-flavored syrup) for the best authentic flavor.
- If frosting is too soft, refrigerate it briefly to make it easier to work with.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and visual appeal to the finished cake.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, bringing it to room temperature before serving.
Keywords: maple cake, maple buttercream frosting, layered cake, cinnamon cake, moist cake recipe, fall dessert, maple syrup dessert